As announced in yesterday's Inflight Service Weekly, United’s London Base will soon be open for transfers. We expect the company to process and award transfers to London sometime mid-week, with an effective date for the May 2026 bid month.
While the company has been awarding and clearing transfers to almost all locations, Flight Attendants are encouraged to check their transfer request to make sure that their current selections are reflective of their needs.
For those who have a transfer request on file to London as either a first or second choice, it will be awarded if your seniority can hold it. If you decline the award it will result in a three (3) month transfer award inhibit in accordance with Section 17.A.2 of the JCBA. With that said, if London was your second choice and your first choice Base starts awarding transfers during the inhibit period, you will not be eligible. For that reason it is important to ensure any transfer requests on file are up to date.
For Flight Attendants considering a transfer to London, understand there are unique rules and circumstances that apply. For example:
- You will be required by the UK government to live in the country and establish residency: commuting is not permitted.
- There are large-scale tax and benefit implications.
- London participates in A/B rotation for its reserve requirements, and as such, we encourage you to brush up on this Section of the Agreement.
Following the initial LHR transfer process, the company will email those individuals awarded a more comprehensive document outlining expectations and next steps. It is essential to read this carefully before accepting the award, as you will be required to stay a minimum of six (6) months per Section 17.A.3 of the Agreement.
For many Flight Attendants, London has been a dream location, whether returning home or the desire to operate out of an international base, we know the wait has been long. In the coming days, we encourage everyone to review their transfer(s) on file, ask questions, and get the facts before committing to this opportunity. Stay tuned for more information about the transfer process.
